When my boyfriend and I started hiking in North Carolina we weren’t completely sure what we were getting into at times. Our first hike was Stone Mountain and we really didn’t anticipate the 25 million stairs we would need to climb even though we read that there were a lot of stairs. Since then we’ve been using mixes of state park websites and the all trails app to tell us about the trail, how hard it is, and general information about getting there.
The thing is, I’ve been tracking Mount Mitchell for awhile. We’ve read that this trail is pretty difficult – the trail itself being listed as strenuous – and I’ve heard people say it’s not easy. We’ve considered this hike again and again but I’ve always chickened out. I’ve always been scared that I won’t make it.
But then we went to the Adirondacks and climbed Cascade Mountain. Cascade is listed as moderate, but with breathtaking views. And while everyone was right about the breathtaking views, they straight up lied about it being moderate. The hike is hard, straight up, and completely rocky. It’s overwhelming and a little defeating. Yes I thought it was worth the view, but holy cow I wasn’t prepared.
But then I came back to North Carolina and thought… I’ve done an unofficially strenuous climb. So naturally the next step was to tackle Mitchell.
The high that day? Twenty nine degrees. I layered in all the clothes I took to Iceland. I haven’t worn most of them since I went to Iceland actually. I was determined to do this and stay warm while doing so. And while the start of the hike was very cold, I warmed up quickly. So quickly that I ended up with most of my clothes in my backpack.
The office wanted folks to park about half a mile up the road so that made the trail shorter. I think the trail ended up being right around three miles round trip because of it. I honestly wouldn’t consider the trail anything more than moderate. I actually thought it was pretty simple, but again I’m comparing it to a much harder trail and some crazy expectations that I made up in my mind.
The summit was neat and the views were nice, but I also think trails give back what you put in and since the trail wasn’t that crazy, the view wasn’t insanely crazy either. I respect the view, but it also was extremely busy considering you can drive to the summit. And drive seems to be what the people do!
Either way, I’m stoked to say that we tackled Old Mitchell trail. Now I don’t have to wonder if I can, but instead tell people I did.
daisyfrancesca 